See you guys later!!

I enjoyed the presentation on older adults!  I was having lunch with my mother in law today and some of the things that you guys said during the presentation really stuck with me.  My mother in law has Alzheimer's so sometimes finding something to talk about is tricky.  Current events are out and sometimes I get tired of talking about her cat.  So, today as we sat there on the verge of another awkwardly quiet lunch, I remembered what you said about how they have stories to tell about the lives they have led.   I asked Diane about her senior year of high school, she remembers those years so freshly as if they only happened last yer, and she told me so many stories.  It was a lovely lunch and I'm so happy that your presentation reminded me to be patient with her.  Thank you.

Our non-traditional presentation.  We had fun putting that together, but we also learned a lot about ourselves and each other.  We sat in a room and interview each other and found the themes each other's stories.  I learned so much about each and everyone of my team mates.  I love you guys.
I also was able to reveal some things about myself that I've always been ashamed of.  Boy, that was hard, but you guys accepted me and told me there was nothing to be ashamed of.  You guys are the greatest. :)

I have such mixed emotions today.  I am truly happy to be basically through with this semester.  Yet, I have learned so much this semester, about the world, about my classmates, and about myself.  This class has really stretched me out of my comfort zone and sometimes it was very painful.  But, I do feel more educated on the many different subjects that we touched this semester.  All those damn isms.  They'll stay with me.  I can not unlearn that which I have learned.  Parts of me want to remain oblivious, it's easier that way.  But, mostly I'm happy that I can speak intelligently on issues which have always meant something to me, but that I didn't quite have the vocabulary to speak with confidence.

Here are a couple of things I've come across this week that I found interesting.
The first is a quiz to tell you if you live in a bubble.  It asks all sorts of questions about your childhood, your TV watching, your neighbors, etc.  It will tell you how in touch or out of touch you are with the middle class or the poor.  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/03/white-educated-and-wealthy-congratulations-you-live-in-a-bubble.html

The other is a survey about your slavery footprint.  It will tell you about your purchasing habits and tell you how much slave labor you as a consumer, use.   Mine # was 45.  What's yours?
http://slaveryfootprint.org/my-footprint#results

Prof. G.  I have enjoyed your teaching style, and while at first a little hesitant about the learning record and the blog, I have grown to appreciate it for what how it has enabled me to think and learn a little differently.  I have never been a fan of reading to memorize and to test and to forget.  I have always felt that this was a major waste of my time.  So, not being examined on nitpicky facts and figures has been a refreshing way to learn.  Instead of some useless knowledge floating around in bits and pieces in my head, I now have a critical way of thinking and of viewing the world.  Thank you.  I wish you much success in your career and in your life and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great summer everyone!  I will see you guys in the fall.  :)